What Is Mindset & Why Does It Matter?

We all have heard of the famous saying, "The right mindset can change everything". But the real question is, "What exactly is a mindset?" "Does it really matter in life?"

The truth is that we all see life through our own unique lens. This is influenced by our experience, beliefs, assumptions, and expectations. While many studies have shown that mindset plays a significant role in determining one's life outcomes, people still have many questions about this concept.

This article will break down all you need to know about mindset and how it matters in your life by gathering insights from a certified life coach.

What Exactly Is A Mindset?

Mindset, in simple terms, is a set of assumptions and beliefs that help us distill complex views of the outer world into digestible information and then set expectations based on this input received. This belief system allows you to set expectations, plan for the worst, and guide your brain to make decisions based on this.

The good news is mindsets are highly changeable. So, if you are willing to learn the technology of changing your mindset and defeating your distorted thoughts, you can have significantly more happiness in life.

Having A Fixed Or Growth Mindset Affects Your Worldview

The terms "Fixed" and "Growth" mindset are used to describe one's belief system about the ability to change, grow, adapt, and develop over time. If you have a fixed mindset, you are more likely to be less open to mistakes because setbacks are seen as inherent and impinging on future success.

For example, if you have a fixed mindset that you can't connect with people or it just doesn't work for you without making an attempt to, you will always base your beliefs and thoughts around this - which will eventually make you never be able to socially connect, leading to social anxiety and avoidance.

In contrast, if you have a "growth" mindset, it means you are ready to change and adapt over time. This allows you to become more open to reflecting, learning, and growing from challenges. People with this mindset see failure as less of a threat and are more willing to enjoy and embrace life in all forms.

This mindset allows you to get out of your comfort zone and give life a chance where possible, letting you explore your potential for success.

Mindsets Matter, And They Impact Your Reality

Life coaching and wellness experts reflect on the power of mindset and how it impacts reality through two strong and fool-proof effects: The placebo effect and the Nocebo effect. Both of these are observed as a phenomenon in medicine.

The placebo effect is where if someone believes they are going to benefit from a medication, they often do. Regardless of the disease or condition, around 30-40% of people can significantly improve their medical conditions and associated symptoms, even when taking a placebo pill, if they make up their minds to believe this will be helpful. A placebo is any treatment that has no active properties, such as a sugar pill.

Similarly fascinating is the 'nocebo-effect'. This is a psychological response based on a person's expectations around side effects. When a doctor says a medication can develop potential side effects, and if the person believes this, they will develop the symptoms even if they are given just a placebo pill. They tend to experience these side effects solely based on what their mind expects.

While science is just beginning to validate the power of the mind-body relationship, it can be confidently concluded that mindset does matter in life, as it redefines how we see reality. So always pay attention to your belief systems, where they originate from, how valid they are, and how they can impact your quality of life.

If you find it challenging to change your mindset, the best way to alter it is to seek professional help from a life coach. They can help you train your mind and beliefs to see the world through a positive yet practical lens.